Mukdahan in Isan
The concept of Isaan is well known to many people. But from early 20se century, this north-eastern part of Thailand has become a fact as Isan. The name comes from Isanapura, capital of Chenla. Many people call themselves khon Isan and speak Isan as distinct from Laos and Central Thailand, although the Thai language is taught in schools.
Khmer is spoken in a number of places in the south of Isan, towards Cambodia. Especially in Buriram, Surin and Sisaket as border provinces. The distinction cannot be divided black and white, so that some groups call themselves Lao Isan or Thai Lao again. The Isaan is a large area and contains 20 provinces. Known in Isan culture is the Mor Lam folk music, Muay Thai boxing, cockfighting and the many processions. The Isan kitchen has received its own input in Thailand, including the use of "Chili peppers and sticky rice"
It is interesting to study lesser known provinces such as Mukhadan with the capital of the same name Mukhadan (มุกดาหาร) via Wikipedia. The capital has only 34.000 inhabitants and is located on the Mekong River opposite the Laotian city of Savannakhet. These two cities are connected by a bridge and since the beginning of 2007 a second bridge connects Thailand with Laos. This road will be extended in Laos to Vietnam to end in the port city of Dà Nàng. This creates an overland route for goods that can use the port of Dà Nàng. It is striking that many (then refugee) Vietnamese live in Mukdahan.
What does the town of Mukhadan have to offer. It has a beautiful national park with curiously piled up rocks, an Indochina market with old authentic items, a view tower and good inexpensive hotels. It would be interesting to know whether you can also visit Laos and Vietnam from here with your own car.
Perhaps the Dutch or Belgians who live in this area can provide more information and also about several attractions in the vicinity.
From Savannakhet you pass a large duty-free shop on the bridge. Bought whiskey and wine, albeit in moderation because you can be checked on the Thai side. Immigration was a bit difficult, we had left Thailand (by car) at Chong Mek and according to them we should have entered Thailand again there. After some friendly talking back and forth, we got the stamp in the passport, without having to pay a bribe. Despite the small number of inhabitants, Mukdahan was quite extensive with a number of pleasant restaurants along the Mekong, where we enjoyed a tasty meal on one of the terraces with a view of Laos.
also see
https://www.thailandblog.nl/thailand-tips/mukdahan-parel-aan-mekong-rivier
in Nakhon Phanom, the most northeastern point opposite of BKK, there is also a very large group of Vietnamese who fled at the time and have donated a large clock to the city out of gratitude.
located near the mighty Mekhong river, which I estimate is about 600 meters wide there.
my ex-in-laws live there just about 300 meters from the river and 17 km out of town in Ban Kud Khapun Neua.
there “would” now also be a bridge built over the Mekhong in Nakhon Phanom itself, but since my divorce 20 years ago I have not been there, of course, although I am still very welcome there because I speak the language sufficiently…
At the quay is a kind of tour boat, on which you can take a trip with food on board. Funny is the large market, which takes place under the boulevard, so covered. However, don't expect to find any goodies.